The Canandaigua School District announced a delay in their decision to replace it’s ‘Braves’ nickname, moving it to a date in September.
School district officials had initially planned on deciding before the end of June, based on the results of several community surveys.
The latest survey, which ended recently, had respondents choose their top three names from a list of seven options: Bears, Cardinals, Coyotes, Gray Wolves, Lake Hawks, Waves, and just Canandaigua.
School officials said it won’t be the last survey. The final one will take place in September to ensure students can participate.
This move comes as part of a wider trend across the state, prompted by a State Education Department directive requiring districts to discontinue the use of nicknames associated with Native Americans.
Other districts have already made changes, such as the “Waterloo Indians” becoming the “Waterloo Tigers”. Names like the “Red Jacket Indians” and “Romulus Warriors” are also under review.
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